Bells Beach Longboard Classic hits the water

THE Bells Beach Longboard Classic is officially under way, with the Men’s Opening Round hitting the water this morning (Thursday, July 18).

Competing surfers, officials and the general public attended a Traditional Welcome to Country this morning at Djarrak (Bells Beach) to launch the event.

The ceremony was conducted by Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles and Yorta Yorta man Anthony Hume.

Surfers were handed a special gift and were invited to walk through the smoke for individual cleansing and healing.

Action officially began at 8am today with the Open Men’s Opening Round.

Local hopeful Ben Considine finished second in his heat behind Hawaiian Kaniela Stewart.

Wildcards Bea Conroy (Point Lonsdale) and Molly Powell (Anglesea) will hit the water later in the day.

Powell finished third in the Trials event yesterday (Wednesday, July 17) to earn her spot in the main draw.

Gavin Idone (USA), Kaede Inoue (Japan) and Sakura Inoue also won through to the main event.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Opening Men’s Round Matchups:

HEAT 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN) Gavin Idone (USA)

HEAT 5: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)

HEAT 6: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) vs. António Dantas (POR)

HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Alexandre Escobar (BRA)

HEAT 8: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Sam Christianson (RSA)

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Opening Women’s Round Matchups:

HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Beatrice Conroy (AUS)

HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)

HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Sakura Inoue (JPN)

HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA) vs. Molly Powell (AUS)

HEAT 5: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)

HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW)

HEAT 7: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)

HEAT 8: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)

For more information, head to worldsurfleague.com